2 more Joburg victims released

August 08, 2001|By HILLARY DICKERSON and PETER COMINGS

Three of the injured still remain hospitalized as a result of the July 29 tragedy. Their conditions are improving.

Ron Koronka, 38, is listed in serious condition at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, and, the youngest victim, 6-month-old Wyndham Ferlaak, and her father, John "Chip" Ferlaak, 33, are both categorized in good condition at Hurley Hospital in Flint. As recently as Friday, the infant had been listed in critical condition.

Two-year-old Brock Ferlaak was released from Hurley Medical Center late last week; Brittany Koronka, 6, was released from Butterworth Hospital late last week; Cody Robinson, 16; Jody Ferlaak, 28; and Keith Koronka, 10, were treated and released from Otsego Memorial Hospital Sunday following the crash.

In addition to the two manslaughter charges, resulting from the deaths of 4-year-old Teagan Ferlaak and 29-year-old Margaret "Peggy" Koronka, Kundrat faces one count of malicious destruction of property and five counts of felonious driving. Manslaughter carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence. Malicious destruction of property carries a maximum five-year sentence. Each of the felonious driving counts carries a maximum two-year sentence.

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Kundrat indicated at her Aug. 2 arraignment she would seek a court-appointed attorney having been most recently unemployed, though no attorney had yet been named Tuesday. Judge Morse at the arraignment set her cash or surety bond at $10,000. Kundrat had been under a doctor's care at Pointe East, a private psychiatric facility run in conjunction with Alpena General Hospital. She remained hospitalized Tuesday, according to court officials.

In the wake of the tragedy, which has turned the lives of several area families upside down, members of the community are joining together to host two benefits for the Ron Koronka family in August.

The first of the benefits will be a rummage sale with all proceeds going to the Koronka family. The sale will be held Sunday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Charlton Township Fire Dept. The organizing group has received a great number of donated items and indicated no more are needed at this time.

Next weekend, a benefit dinner for the family is slated for Sunday, Aug. 19 at the Charlton Township Hall, beginning at 4 p.m. It is by donation.

Sandy (Pewinski) Mouland, one of the women organizing the dinner, asked those who plan to attend the dinner to bring a dish to pass if possible.They may contact the following people: main dishes - Pam Welsh, 732-1287 or Mouland, 989-786-9802; salads - Karen Pewinski, 732-4366 or Diane Culhane, 989-786-4647; and desserts - Lee Proctor, 989-786-4955.

Additionally, funds have been set up for the two area families.

A fund has been established at Fifth Third/Old Kent Bank to benefit the Ferlaak family. Interested donors may drop by with a contribution, or mail a check to: Ferlaak Family Fund, PO Box 600, Gaylord, MI 49734.

On behalf of the Koronkas, donations may be made at the downtown and South Otsego Avenue (at McCoy) offices of the Fifth Third/Old Kent Bank: the Koronka Family Fund, PO Box 600, Gaylord, MI 49734.

A second account for the Koronka family has been established at First National Bank of Gaylord, where donations may be made to: Family of Ronald and Margaret Koronka, PO Box 310, Attention CSR Dept., Gaylord, MI 49734.